JRE #1591 – Jordan Burroughs

by

8-Jan-21







This podcast delves into the fascinating world of wrestling, featuring Olympic Gold medalist and four-time World Champion Jordan Burroughs. Joe Rogan and Jordan discuss the nuances of wrestling, its unique challenges, and the potential for transitioning to MMA. Controversial topics include the prevalence of PEDs in wrestling and the complex relationship between athletes, coaches, and their families. Underlying themes explore the importance of mental toughness, the dedication required for sustained success, and the challenges of managing fame and family life.

Jordan Burroughs’ Decision to Stay Away from MMA

  • Jordan reveals his wife, Lauren, discourages him from transitioning to MMA due to concerns about head trauma and the inherent risks.
  • Despite numerous opportunities and friendships in the MMA world, Jordan acknowledges the transition would be a significant learning curve and a step back from his current wrestling success.
  • He highlights the time commitment and dedication required to succeed in MMA, acknowledging his age (32) and desire to focus on family may not allow for that commitment.
  • Jordan expresses a sense of contentment with his wrestling achievements, implying a desire to continue pursuing wrestling rather than venturing into a new, more volatile field.

The Differences Between Wrestling and MMA

  • Jordan emphasizes the contrasting philosophies of wrestling and MMA: wrestling focuses on scoring points with minimal damage, while MMA prioritizes inflicting damage to win.
  • He contrasts the rule changes and subjective interpretations in wrestling compared to the more standardized rule sets of other sports.
  • Jordan discusses the emergence of Combat Jiu-Jitsu as a new sport, combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with slapping, aiming to address the perceived lack of striking in traditional Jiu-Jitsu.
  • He touches on the evolving nature of MMA, highlighting advancements in techniques like leg locks, making the sport more dynamic and dangerous.

The Importance of Mental Toughness in Wrestling

  • Jordan emphasizes the extreme mental toughness required to succeed in wrestling, a sport known for its grueling nature and lack of theatrics or financial rewards.
  • He explains how this mental toughness is cultivated through years of rigorous training and a relentless pursuit of excellence, often starting from a young age.
  • Jordan contrasts the mental fortitude of wrestlers with athletes who might be prone to faking injuries or employing other tactics to avoid exertion, a practice that is virtually nonexistent in wrestling.
  • He notes how wrestlers who transition to MMA often bring this mental toughness and resilience to the fight, demonstrating their ability to withstand pain and pressure.

The Olympics and Its Impact on Athletes

  • Jordan highlights the Olympics as the pinnacle of wrestling, with winning gold considered the ultimate achievement, even surpassing multiple world championships.
  • He shares a humorous anecdote about his Olympic gold medal winning experience, including a memorable first meal after the competition, a Double Cheeseburger, fries, and a Hi-C Orange, showcasing the reward of a strict training regimen.
  • Jordan discusses the unique experience of the Olympic Village, where thousands of athletes from around the world coexist in a temporary community, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and culture of the games.
  • He emphasizes the global significance of the Olympics, its ability to transcend political differences and cultural boundaries, and its power to unite people in the pursuit of athletic excellence.

The Challenges of Weight Cutting in Wrestling and MMA

  • Jordan discusses the extreme weight cutting practices prevalent in wrestling, with athletes often shedding 15-20 pounds in the 24 hours leading up to competition.
  • He explains the grueling process of weight cutting, involving diet restrictions, exercise, saunas, and hydration manipulation, all in a short timeframe.
  • Jordan describes the rehydration and recovery process after weight cutting, involving rapid fluid intake and strategic replenishment of electrolytes, sugars, and carbs.
  • He shares concerns about the potential health risks associated with extreme weight cutting, particularly in MMA, where athletes often compete at weights significantly lower than their natural weight class.

The Role of PEDs in Wrestling and the Integrity of the Sport

  • Jordan expresses his disdain for the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in wrestling, highlighting how they undermine the integrity of the sport and the sacrifices made by clean athletes.
  • He acknowledges the prevalence of PED use, particularly in Russia, where state-sponsored doping has been a significant issue, as evidenced by the documentary “Icarus.”
  • Jordan shares his concerns about the impact of gene therapy on the future of athletics, worried that countries with less stringent moral codes may utilize this technology to create super athletes, potentially disrupting the balance of competition.
  • He remains optimistic about American athletes, emphasizing their mental toughness and willingness to fight for victory, even against those with access to advanced technology or performance-enhancing substances.

The Transition from Athlete to Everyday Life

  • Jordan discusses the challenges of transitioning from a successful athletic career to a new chapter in life, particularly for athletes who have dedicated their entire lives to their sport.
  • He acknowledges the potential for athletes to struggle with identity, purpose, and financial stability after retirement, as they move from a world of constant competition to a less defined path.
  • Jordan emphasizes the importance of finding a new passion, a pursuit that ignites the same level of enthusiasm and drive that fueled their athletic career, rather than simply relying on wealth or fame.
  • He expresses his desire to use his knowledge and experience to help other athletes, particularly in MMA, by establishing a high-performance training center that caters to the unique needs of fighters.

The Importance of Family and Relationship Dynamics

  • Jordan discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding athletic career, particularly with his three children, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships and providing a supportive environment for his family.
  • He emphasizes the importance of his wife’s role in his life, acknowledging her support and understanding of his ambitions, even as she made sacrifices to accommodate his wrestling career.
  • Jordan delves into the complexities of fatherhood, the importance of setting a good example for his children, and the delicate balance of providing opportunities without creating undue pressure or expectations.
  • He stresses the importance of treating his children with respect and allowing them to forge their own paths, recognizing that their success will be defined by their own choices and efforts.

The Importance of Authenticity and Finding Purpose

  • Jordan shares his perspective on the importance of authenticity, both in personal life and in professional pursuits, acknowledging the importance of being true to oneself and avoiding the pitfalls of pursuing fame or fortune for its own sake.
  • He discusses the challenges of navigating fame and managing public expectations, particularly the balance between engaging with fans and maintaining privacy for himself and his family.
  • Jordan reflects on the importance of finding purpose, both in athletic endeavors and in life’s broader journey, emphasizing the need to align actions with personal values and to pursue activities that truly ignite passion and fulfillment.
  • He highlights the importance of finding meaning beyond athletic achievements, encouraging athletes to explore new avenues, to embrace challenges, and to leave a lasting impact on the world.

This podcast provides a window into the life of a champion wrestler, revealing the dedication, discipline, and mental fortitude that define his journey. Jordan Burroughs’ insights into wrestling, MMA, and the importance of family and personal fulfillment offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to achieve excellence in their own endeavors.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “I’ve been close [to transitioning to MMA], but mostly the lady outside, my wife Lauren is the one that’s talking to me out of it.” – Jordan shares his wife’s reservations about MMA.
  • “It’s a shame that there’s not more attention put on the professional, like at one point in time, professional wrestling was actual wrestling.” – Jordan reflects on the shift in professional wrestling.
  • “We are in an epic time where anyone can be famous. All you need is an iPhone.” – Jordan discusses the impact of the internet on fame.
  • “It is like, it’s a universal standard. Yeah. And when they transition, transition rather to MMA, you see it immediately. You see it in the training room. You see it in the way they fight. Yeah, on the scale, you see it. They know how to make they know how to cut that weight.” – Jordan emphasizes the unique mental toughness of wrestlers.
  • “The people that want to let you in, they’re the people that are going to want to ask. For sure. They’re the people who are going to want to listen to you talk on this podcast.” – Joe Rogan and Jordan discuss the importance of authenticity and finding your audience.